Heritage University Receives Johnson Scholarship Foundation Grant

Heritage University has been awarded a grant by the Johnson Scholarship Foundation (JSF) that will ultimately create a $1.5 million endowment to support scholarships for Indigenous students studying business or entrepreneurship.

Under the grant agreement, Heritage has committed to raising funds of $1 million over the next three years and JSF has committed to matching funds of $500,000.

Since the 2009-2010 academic year, JSF has awarded a $50,000 grant to Heritage on an annual basis in support of scholarships for Indigenous students. Encouraged by the success of students studying in the program, the Foundation made the decision to create the endowment and thereby institutionalize this effort in perpetuity.

“We are impressed with Heritage University’s track record of creating educational opportunities for people who, through no fault of their own, do not enjoy the advantages of the affluent,” said R. Malcolm Macleod, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. “By increasing our support to Heritage, we know they will be able to help even more Indigenous students become successful in contributing to the growth of the Yakama Nation and the surrounding communities. We encourage all peoples of the valley to join us in this endeavor by making a contribution to this scholarship endowment and thereby help it reach its full potential.”

The Heritage University Business program has continued to grow each year as its graduates make a name for the program by reputation. “The Business program at Heritage is well known for producing graduates with nimble intellects and problem solving skills and with a work ethic second to none,” said University president John Bassett. “This tremendous gift from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, is not only an endorsement of that fact, but of their belief in the power of a college education to transform lives and lift up all those around them.”

JSF was founded by Theodore and Vivian Johnson to serve disadvantaged people by assisting them to obtain education and employment. For more than 25 years, JSF has awarded a total of more than $100 million in education-related grants. JSF gives to economically disadvantaged students, people with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples. According to Mr. Macleod, Mr. Johnson always thought Indigenous Peoples got a “raw deal” and wanted to help support their communities and students.

To find out more about this scholarship endowment please call David Wise, Vice President of University Advancement at (509) 865-0717.